Cameron welcomes electoral pact

David Cameron has welcomed the electoral pact with the UUP

Conservative leader David Cameron has welcomed the Ulster Unionists' decision to join his party in an electoral pact.

The deal will initially see the parties run on a joint ticket in Westminster and European elections in Northern Ireland.

Representatives from both parties will form a joint committee to work on cooperation and an electoral strategy.

"For too long Northern Ireland has been outside of the mainstream of politics in the UK," Mr Cameron said.

"This new political force will help change that, and allow everyone in Northern Ireland to participate fully in political life both in Northern Ireland and throughout the United Kingdom."

Ulster Unionist MEP, Jim Nicholson, said the pact could give the party the chance to be a partner in government in the future.

"We want greater co-operation with mainland UK," he said.

"I think it is good a party from Northern Ireland is able to work with a party who hopefully in the longer-term will be a party in government in the UK as a whole."

A UUP spokesman said its executive committee had "overwhelmingly endorsed" the decision.

The Conservative Party has just one councillor in Northern Ireland, however, Down District Council's Peter Bowles is yet to stand for election under the Tory banner.